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Taylor Swift optimistic about the future of the music industry
With the music industry full of naysayers claiming the end is upon us, Taylor Swift is offering a refreshingly optimistic outlook in her Wall Street Journal op-ed.
Instead of an industry on the verge of crumbling, Swift sees the ever-changing music industry as a minefield of opportunities for artists willing to work outside of the box.
She begins by advising new artists to stand strong in the face of those calling for free music.
“Music is art, and art is important and rare. Important, rare things are valuable. Valuable things should be paid for,” wrote Swift. “It’s my opinion that music should not be free…I hope [artists and their labels] don’t underestimate themselves or undervalue their art.”
She suggests that artists use the tough financial times as motivation instead of an excuse for inaction. Instead of giving up, artists should use it to brainstorm new and better ways to make it big. In her opinion, the best route is to connect with fans through songwriting and artist image.
“I think forming a bond with fans in the future will come in the form of constantly providing them with the element of surprise…In the YouTube generation we live in…” wrote Swift.
In addition, she also supports the use of social media marketing to gain fans, as well as not allowing yourself to be defined by just one genre of music.
“This moment in music is so exciting because the creative avenues an artist can explore are limitless. In this moment in music, stepping out of your comfort zone is rewarded, and sonic evolution is not only accepted…it is celebrated. The only real risk is being too afraid to take a risk at all.”
Do you think Swift is onto something, or just displaying naïve optimism? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments below!
